Burt Reynolds

About

Comedian, director and iconic actor Burt Reynolds is well-known for his work throughout out the 1970s and 1980s. After a successful run in television, Reynolds was advised by longtime friend Clint Eastwood to snag overseas leading roles in Spaghetti Westerns as a means to break into the Hollywood movie scene. His first overseas film, Navajoe Joe was released in 1966 and his next subsequent performances eventually earned him starring roles in big-budget American films. Reynold's breakthrough role came with the 1972 hit Deliverance, which made him one of the most saught after stars in Hollywood. After playing Bo Bandit Darville, arguably his most renowned role, in the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit and its two sequels, Reynolds was consequently typecast in similar and less successful movies. He made a strong comeback with a role in 1997's Boogie Nights, which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Reynolds continues to make both television and film cameos, often appearing as himself.